Page 20 of Secret Triplets for Christmas

"Can't say for sure. Listen, I’ve arranged for a new phone and laptop to be sent to your hotel. Should be there sometime today. I suggest you stay off your current devices since I’m not there to check them.”

“I’ll pull the batteries from both when we get off the phone.” A thought crossed my mind. "Have you ever worked with home security systems? Can they be hacked?"

"Depends on the system. Hard-lined ones can be if the phone cord is cut or Wi-Fi ones if they're jammed. But it would take someone skilled. Home security is usually pretty good."

"Thanks, Buddy." I hung up, my concern growing. Whoever was messing with Lindsay and me wasn't some everyday thug. They knew what they were doing, and that made them even more dangerous.

Boston wasdark and cold in December. I pulled my coat tight around me as I stepped out of the car I’d ordered to bring me to the coffeehouse. The biting air felt good, like it was clearing out my senses. But the minute I stepped into the coffeehouse, my chest tightened in anticipation. Fucking hell, my nerves were like a teenager’s on their first date. I did my best to push the feelings down, but they refused to stay buried.

The rich aroma of freshly brewed coffee enveloped me. I glanced around and found a small table near the window. Sitting down, I watched the door, waiting for Lindsay to arrive. I drummed my fingers on the table nervously, trying to keep my thoughts in check. It wasn't working. Memories of the past mingled with the uncertainty of the present, making it nearly impossible to focus on anything else.

She stepped through the door, and a whoosh of yearning and sadness and guilt flooded my senses. Unrequited love was a bitch.

7

Lindsay

It had taken me all afternoon to get over the shock of seeing Oliver at the police station. In many ways, he looked the same. His green eyes were still kind, filled with compassion. But at the same time, he was different. His hair was shorter, and while not styled, per se, it didn’t look unkempt. He still wore a beard, but it was shorter and well-groomed. Even his shoulders seemed broader, making me wonder if he’d started working out. The thought of him lifting weights made my heart flutter unexpectedly, which annoyed me. I couldn’t afford to be attracted to him again. To fall for him again. The truth was, for a moment, I was filled with happiness at seeing him again. I’d given into it for a moment and hugged him. But then I remember that the die of our life was cast five years ago when he left. When I let him go, knowing I wouldn’t see him again.

I suppose that was why I was curt with him. He probably thought I was rude, behaving like that and then running off. The happiness at seeing him quickly morphed into panic as I realized he was in Boston, which increased the possibility that he’d learn about the girls.

It appeared that lying was going to be a part of my life right then. I’d lied to Oliver about needing to be somewhere. Then I lied to my father and Mira about having a work issue that would require me to be out tonight when I asked if they could watch the girls. And I was prepared to lie to keep Oliver from knowing about Georgie, Cassie, and Olivia.

Several times since leaving the police station, I'd thought about canceling because I was afraid of how it would go. But I didn't have Oliver’s number. Plus, while I was going to do all I could to keep my distance from Oliver, I couldn’t be so self-centered as to not connect with him when he had to be hurting about coming home to deal with Liam.

I stepped into the coffee shop, nervous anticipation skittering along my nerves as I scanned the room for him.

My gaze landed on him. He smiled and waved.

I did my best to smile back as I walked over to the table.

He rose and held a chair out for me. “I haven't ordered anything yet. Wasn't sure if you still liked chai lattes."

"Still do." How sweet that he still remembered. For a moment, I thought that this little reunion would go okay, that it would be like old times before Liam died. But the minute I sat down, the awkwardness that had existed between us at the police station grew again. I was relieved when a server came over to take our order.

"Two chai lattes, please," Oliver told the server. "Extra cinnamon on mine."

When she left,we sat staring at each other. I'd hoped he’d start the conversation, and I got the feeling he was wanting the same from me.

"California must be amazing. How's life there?"

"Can't complain. The weather is great, and business is thriving. I've been able to build a good life.”

Relief flooded my system at hearing he was happy and successful. It helped reduce the guilt I felt about not telling him about the triplets. I reminded myself that his freedom and happiness were why I'd let him go and kept him in the dark about the girls. I still intended to keep the secret and hoped he would deal with Liam's business soon and return home.

“Do you have a family?”

He shook his head. “Work is my family.”

Weirdly, I was relieved by that too. I didn’t much like the idea of Oliver with another woman. I’d have to get over that.

“Do you live near the beach?”

He laughed. “No. Not all of California is on the beach. But I’m not too far from it. The state really does have a little bit of everything. Beach. Mountains. Desert.”

“Wine.”

“Yes. Very good wine.”

---